Updated: 1:41 PM CST December 17, 2020
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Public Service Commission turned down a request that sought a moratorium on utility shutoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying it has no authority to grant such an order.
The Consumers Council of Missouri filed a request for the emergency order that would have prohibited disconnection or discontinuation of residential electric, natural gas and water service through at least March 31.
The commission said in a statement released Wednesday that while it "shares its concern for the well-being of utility customers and all Missouri citizens during the pandemic," it lacks authority from the Legislature to issue a shutoff moratorium.